My Friend...You're Scrapalicious!

I have a fun card to start off the week.  This card is comprised of MOSTLY scrappy stuff hanging out on my craft table...which I still haven't fully cleaned to take pictures and show you my more "organized space."
 It's that time management/ADD thing.  I go to clean it up and then get distracted by ideas that cause me to sit down and create.  I will try to this week.  However, it's a BUSY one.  In fact, I hope this isn't my only card for the week.  But if it is...at least it's a fun one.  It's based on Sketch 160 over at CPS.

Also, have you checked out this new challenge blog called, The Shabby Tea Room?  I finally get to participate in one of their challenges.  It's to use scraps.  Woohoo!

My tiny bird is from Maya Road and it was painted with Tim Holtz Distress Paint.  He was just hanging out, already painted, begging to be used.  The tag was in my scrap basket and cut out with the Sizzix Lots of Labels.  That scalloped border uses PTI's Raspberry Fizz...also a scrap.  I'm unsure of the  patterned paper.  It has been in my scrap pile for about a year I think.  I used Baja Breeze Grosgrain ribbon and some flowers I got at Michael's topped with some PTI buttons.  This was the quickest card I have made in a while.  I've been trying really hard to use up what I have since I have a SERIOUS problem with paper addiction.

So today I'm issuing a challenge for you to use up some of your scraps.  If you do and you want to leave a link in my comments section that would be great.  This is not an official challenge.  Just something for fun.  I just love to see how people reuse things. 

My son made his friend's sister a card  for her birthday.  I had him use a ribbon off my table that came wrapped around something I bought.  My kids are all about trying to recycle.  I did NOT get a picture of the card he made.  I'm so bummed!  It was so cute.  He was very upset because he thought he had ruined the card by getting some stray ink on the edges.  I told him not to worry....SUPER SPONGE TO THE RESCUE....(echo voice here:)  I showed him how to sponge the edges so it looked like that's what he meant to do.  I am a MASTER at covering up mistakes.

Off to get ready for school.  I'm helping with Book Fair this week.  Today I get to take a clipboard.  I'm feeling pretty important.  Well, provided I can FIND the clipboard.

Have a great day!

Happy Spring Emma

Today looks more like spring than yesterday.  All the snow has melted and the sun is a shinin'!  Yeah.  My card today uses a Whimsy Stamp's image called Summer Day Emma.  For today though she is Spring Day Emma.

  I used the Recipe Challenge over at Die Cuts R Us.  The recipe is 1 Stamped image, 2 Die cuts, and 3 buttons or bling plus some ribbon.  I created the frame around my image using 2  Labels One nestabilities.  My sentiment is enclosed in one of the NEW Spellbinders called Labels Eleven.  ( seriously...why do they have to name them all labels...sooo confusing)  Go check out the spellbinders... they are on sale right now.
I can tell you that Claudia ships VERY quickly.   Love that!

I colored Miss Emma in with Copics.  I keep forgetting to take a picture of my copics for you.  Sorry.

Speaking of Copics...tomorrow is my Certification class.  I can't wait.  I have some prep work to do before I go.  It's going to be a long, fun day.  I hope I can learn some better techniques on shading and shadowing.  Wish me luck!  My kids are excited to have me go since they get to spend the night at a friend's house.

Ok....off to go dance with my kids, exercise and then yard work.  Doesn't THAT sound fun~~~~
 

 What's In It?
Stamps: Summer Day Emma, Spring Stepping
Ink: Black memento, lemon tart
Paper: Origins BG, white, DCWV green
Other: Copics, prima flowers, bling, yellow satin ribbon, nestabilities, sewing machine

A Satin Rose Tutorial

Sorry for the delay on the tutorial.  I've been feeling a bit under the weather.  When the weather get nasty the old head starts to throb.  Hoping for a better day today.

You can see the finished flower on this card HERE.

One thing I want you all to know is that this idea is not mine.  I saw it done in one of my last demonstrator magazines.  I have also seen it done with larger, more voluptuous bows and a glue gun.  Take your pick.  Either way it's a fun way to embellish a card.

Here's what you will need:

A scrap piece of card stock
Scortape or other strong adhesive
ribbon of your choice ( I used Aqua Mist satin by PTI)

Step 1.  Line your scrap paper with adhesive in a large enough area to cover the size of flower you wish to make. 

(In my photo I used adhesive by Adtech.  I can get this at Walmart, Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  Usually I have no problems with it adhering well.  Occasionally, I do have an issue.  I do have to say that I made this flower back at the beginning of February and just used it this week with no problems.)

Step 2. Place the end of you ribbon in the center of the adhesive lined section.  Smoosh it down well:) and gently begin to twist your ribbon.

Step 3.   As you twist a section secure it to your adhesive.

Step 4.  Keep repeating Step 3 as you wind around in a spiral like this.....

Step 5.  When you have reached the desired size of your flower.  You will carefully cut around the edges of your card stock as close to the ribbon as possible.  (This will gum up your scissor a bit.  Just wipe with some Goo Gone or even alcohol.)

My picture shows the flower all cut out with a scraggly edge.

Step 6.  To finish off that scraggly edge simply turn your flower over and apply some more adhesive to the back and tuck the stray end under. You can reinforce that spot by placing some tape over it as well.

I would also leave a bit longer tail before cutting than I did here.

Here is the finished card again...

BTW, my leaves are just some green crocheted trim that I folded over and hot glued.

One day I WILL have video on here.  Just be patient.  Thanks for popping in!

Back with a March Kit Card

I'm back today with a card using PaperWorks Co's March Card Kit.  This is a great kit to use for all those boy cards you might be needing.  I have many "little boy" birthdays coming up and my card today is for another nephew.  The  stamps used on this card are the newly released Tinheart Collection.  This is a really cute set of robots and it comes in a sturdy metal case for easy storage.  I love that.

  Paper Works has some exciting news to share.  They have outgrown their current location and are MOVING.  What does this mean for you?  Well, Peggy is having a big sale to clear some stuff out so she doesn't have to move it.  You can check out the details on the storefront page.

  Also, Peggy needs a Design Team Coordinator.  Does that sound like something you might be interested in?  You can check out the details HERE .

I'll be back with my tutorial in another post.

Embrace Spring!

Wow!  Did morning come early today.  I am so not a night owl.  I stayed up way too late last night.  I've got myself a new coffee pot so I should be raring to go in a bit.

  A while back I got a mat pack of this really pretty, soft paper by DCWV called Linen Closet.  That title just conjures up such sweet smells to me.  Imagine sticking your nose into a big,, fluffy, white towel that was first hung on the line (then you stick it in the dryer for a fluff cycle so it is fluffy). AHHH!  This winter loving girl is really ready for spring.  So here is my "spring" card.  Hey ABC Toys...I'm entering again...LOL.

I also used those stickers from the dollar store on the top corners, my "Halloween" pearls and a hodgepodge of lace trim.  My flower was created with ribbon and I do have a tutorial on it.  I'll be back later with that.

UPDATE:  Tutorial is located HERE.

  I finally got to use some of my new Verve stamps.  I love this flourishy frame.  The inside sentiment is from a Unity's Bevy of Butterflies.  Do you see my butterfly?  I made that by stamping and layering a heart and flourish from the Verve set.  I love it when a set is multifunctional.  This set is Thankful Accents and it's so pretty!

 I have a few more challenges to enter with this card:
Verve Project Parade....again:)
Hope Stamps Eternal Cupcake Inspiration  
Flutter By Wednesday 100
Card Patterns Sketch 56
Cardvaarks Lace Challenge

Off to wake the kids.  Hope your Tuesday is fantabulous!




What's In It?
Stamps: Thankful Accents, Bevy of Butterflies
Ink: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist
Paper: white, Linen Closet
Other: lace trim, stickles, pearls, EK border punch, Aqua Mist ribbon, stickers, dimensionals

Wish Big

I have been doing a lot of nothing today.  Do you ever have those days where you are running around and then realize that you got nothing done?  That's my day.  My coffee pot broke so I am blaming it all on my lack of caffeine.  I did manage to get some coffee at McDonald's later in the the morning so that may be why I am up late posting this.

Last week an idea for this card popped into my head and I finally got to create it.  It really didn't take me that long even if it looks like it did.  Self adhesive chipboard is a fabulous invention! I started out using a Clean and Simple sketch, but when all was said and done it ended up being a shortened version.  I'm still entering it.  I also got the color ideas from this week's Play Date Cafe.

 If you head on over to the Verve Project Parade you can participate in the challenge to use flowers.  Ummm...I could have a LOT of entries.  LOVE flowers!  I also love VERVE.  I didn't use any Verve stamps on this card, but stay tuned...I have one coming:)

And for my last challenge...I think this qualifies as a Spring-ish card, don't you?  ABC Toys and Crafts Design Blog has a challenge called, "Spring is in Full Bloom".   I am wishing BIG time for Spring so I think the card fits.

Off to bed now.  Night!




What's In It:
Stamps: Short and Sweet
Ink: Antique Linen, Choc chip
Paper: Beloved DP, K&co Bailey DP, scrap light pink
Other:  K&co chipboard, flower, heart doily, spellbinder's labels 11, Webster's lace, sewing machine, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles

Whimsy- cal Sunday

Yesterday morning I was trying to finish up my card for today and my main, GIANT light source died a very quick death....leaving me in the dark.  I felt that was a subtle hint that I was NOT to spend the gorgeous  day in the basement.  This morning I have a much better fluorescent bulb in my basement.  I really think it shows things in better color.  Yippee!  I made another card for the Make A Child Smile challenge over on the Whimsy blog.  I really hope that you will participate in this challenge.  There's Whimsy $$ up for grabs.  Even if you don't have a Whimsy image (which you should) you can download one for free to use.  Please check out the blog post I have linked above for details on that.   This card is for Brianna.  She likes toys with buttons so I figured she might like a card with buttons too.  She is also lives in Ohio....like ME:)

My card today is also for a few other challenges.  I used Inspirational Card Sketches #58 for my sketch and I incorporated some of the ideas from Lisa Johnson's newest challenge on her blog....Poppy Seed Challenge.
The challenge is to use buttons, polka dots and light moss (color...not actual moss:) on your card.  My "moss" is a bit dark not light.  I finally used some paper by Jillibean Soup that I bought in November.  It is actually Christmas paper on one side and the other are the 2 patterns you see.  THAT is an awesome idea for double sided paper don't you think.

Yesterday I used "Halloween" pearls and today "Christmas" paper.  I always was a bit behind...LOL

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.  Off to get ready for church!

Thanks So Much!

I had a pretty productive day yesterday in the crafting area.  Not so much anywhere else though:)


I haven't made a card for 2S4Y in a long time.  The sketch was perfect for creating this card for another challenge......Die Cuts R Us.   The challenge there was to use the colors from MME's new Lush Collection and white.  I had to use off white though so I hope that is ok. My background paper just happens to be from MME.  It's not the lush collection though.

I used a heart from a sticker set I got at the dollar store and decided to add a bit of bling to the flowers  on it using Taylor's Tiny Twinkles.  I love those little rhinestones.  I was able to pull many little items from my stash to create this card.  Yeah!  I love the trim by Webster's Pages.  I am really falling in love with the whole vintage look.  Ahh... the olden days:)  My little pearls are by Recollections and were a Halloween clearance item.  Never underestimate the use of a clearance item.

  Another gorgeous day here.  I hope it's beautiful in your neck of the woods.  We are going to be spending our day outside I'm sure.  We may check out the Diary of a Wimpy kid movie too.  My son got his birthday gift a bit early.... A new bike:)

 Thumbs Up to the bike AND to the weather!

Have a great Saturday!

What's In It?

Stamps: Thankful Accents (verve)

Ink: Aegean Ocean, vintage photo

Paper: MME, K&Co, vanilla, vellum cardstock, 

Other:pearls, rhinestones, WP trim, heart sticker, clearance flowers, dimensionals, sewing machine

Pastel Sweet Heart

Wow!  I can't believe it's FRIDAY.  Where did this week go?  I finally got a chance to finish my card that I started a few days ago.  This card uses a bunch of stuff that was just laying on my desk.  I'm so happy to be able to use it.  It helps with the process of cleaning off my craft area.

  I know I need to show you pictures of my more organized area, but I really need to clean things up a bit.  I'm one of those people who seem to create better in a messy area.  Anyone else like that?  I'll work on getting pictures around for next week.  Promise.  This card uses Mercy's sketch and I'm also entering it into the Pile It On challenge using Pastel colors. You may recognize the heart that was leftover from my sister's invites.  I also used that stray button that I added stickles to for a bit of sparkle.  That paper is from the Digi Chick and it's a scrap. Since I have several recycled projects on my card I am going to enter it into the Inky Impressions challenge to RECYCLE.  Love to recycle!

All Things Unity is also "going green."  Check out the challenge HERE to see the 3 different ways you can interpret the challenge.

My blog friend, Georgia, suggested I enter this into the Shirleys2Girls challenge as well.  Thanks Georgia!
This is for my aunt in Michigan.  She came down the day of my dad's surgery and took his wife out to lunch and a bit of shopping while I waited in the waiting room.  That helped out sooo much.  So, I wanted to thank her.  She also told me that today is one of 2 days during Lent that you can have meat and the thing that you gave up. Gotta thank her for that too! Woo Hoo!  Guess what I had for breakfast???  CHOCOLATE covered peanuts!  HEE HEE!!!  What a GLORIOUS day it is:D  Hmmmm.  I really should have something a bit healthier for lunch.  Do you think a Chocolate covered banana or a Reese's Cup is more nutritious????...LOL!


Feeling very springy around here.  I love it.  Today I'm washing my sheets and  hanging them out on the line.  There is nothing better than the smell of spring fresh sheets at bedtime.

Have a good one!

What's In It?
Stamps: Ever After, Sweet Valentine (verve)
Ink: Lemon Tart, Rose Romance, Spring Moss
Paper: Tiny Princess, Vanilla, Spring Moss
Other: Iridescent Ice EP, dimensionals, celery organza ribbon, flower, button, stickles, double ended tags Spellbinders, Lush Kaiser pearls,

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I have a bit of green to share with you this morning.  I am having somewhat of a hard time getting back into my stamping here.  So I figured a CAS card is always a good place to start.  I made this for Splitcoasts CAS 58 challenge this week.  It also falls into the Crazy 4 Challenges category since I made this for my husband's boss.  The challenge is masculine cards.  I also used the CPS sketch 158 this week.  Slowly, but surely I will get those creative juices flowing again.

It's good to be home and my dad is doing great.  They are 99% sure that the cancer was contained and removed. Thank you so much for all your kind thoughts, words and prayers.  It means sooo much.

 I managed to come home early since he was doing so well.  His wife did not deal well with me being there.  I am hoping that she was easier to deal with after I left.  What a tough disease.... that Alzheimer's .  She was just rotten, but I have to try and remember that it isn't her fault.  That is easier to do after I have left. 

So, I am happy to be home with my family and settling back into the fun we have going on here.  I hope to have another card for you tomorrow.  However, we have family coming in today.  We are a "pit stop" on their way to Tennessee. I will be busy cleaning and (ugh) cooking today while we await their arrival.

I hope you have a great GREEN day!  Be safe!




What's In It?
Stamps: PTI Turning a New Leaf, Fillable  Frames #1
Ink: New Leaf, 
Paper: Chocolate, scrap DP, Kraft
Other: horizontal slot punch, brown twine, paper piercer, dimensionals

A Spin on the Merry Go Round Whimsy Blog Hop

Welcome to the Whimsy Blog Hop.  If you arrived here from  ERIN'S blog you are on the right track.  If not please start at the beginning of the hop HERE.  Today we are introducing you to the latest stamps by Crissy Armstrong.  These horses are BEAUTIFUL. Denise has also started selling Primas and some bling in the WHIMSY STORE:)

I have used the WINGS OF HOPE Carousel Horse.  ONE DOLLAR from each purchase will be donated to the American Red Cross.  Don't you love when your "addiction" can help benefit others.  Seriously, what a wonderful thing for Denise to do.  I paired my stamp with some K&Co papers called Amy Butler.  I got to use some new trim and some of those vintage buttons I love.  My sketch is from the latest PaperCrafts magazine and, YES, my trim is supposed to be crooked:)

Denise has some BLOG CANDY  for one lucky person participating in the hop.

Check it out!

Follow along on the blog hop to find out how to win this great prize.

One final thing to add.....

"Whimsy Stamps will be offering a special promotion from noon EST on Sunday until noon EST on Monday. The first 25 orders placed at Whimsy, regardless of total, will receive free shipping. Shipping will be charged at checkout, but if your order was one of the first 25 orders in that 24 hour period, you will receive a shipping credit." This is a one day only special promotion during our new release!

So don't miss out on the fun....

Take another spin on the carousel and end up at SHARON'S blog.  Wheee!

Robotic Love

 

This is the card I made for PaperWorks Co.'s new release of The Tinheart Collection.  Make sure you check out all the cute little robots.  They are so adorable.  I made this to give to my daughter while I am away from her.  Inside it says, " I love you THIS much.  I love you to the moon and back!"

It's tough for me to prepost and have much to say.  So another short one today.

What's In It:

Stamps: Rocko (Tinheart Collection), Sweet and Simple

Ink: Memento Black, Fresh Snow

Paper: Scarlet Jewel, Smokey Shadow, Prism White

Other: Grey Taffeta ribbon, brad, rhinestones, EK success punch, bubbles EF, circle nesties

Everybody

Since I can't share many cards I thought I might share some music I love.  I listened to this while making my sister's wedding invitations.  Very fitting don't you think?



I am completely LOVING Ingrid Michaelson right now.  She is so easy to listen to while crafting.  Enjoy!

A Sneak Peak for PaperWorksCo.

 

Here's my sneak peak for the new release at PaperWorks Co.  Can you take a guess at what you think it is????

The release is Tomorrow.  Don't miss out.  I'll have the full card in a few days.

Wedding Invitations

I  wanted to share my sister's wedding invitations.  By now I would think my family has received theirs.  My sister is having a very small wedding and I was happy to help her by making her invitations.  You can't see the sparkly of these hearts very well in the photo.  They are embossed with iridescent ice embossing powder.  That has to be my favorite EP ever.  I used Lemon tart ink and satin ribbon by PTI.  Yep, I stamped, embossed and cut out 72 of those hearts.  I wouldn't do it again for anyone but my sister.  NO ONE...not even for money:)  Actually it wasn't that bad.  These just took me a while to make.  My PTI order ended up taking a REALLY long time to ship and then I had to get them done before I left for my dad's.  All that made it a bit stressful.  It all got done and turned out fine.  I hope she likes them.
 

Here is the inside:

I have smudged out the details.  We can't  have any extras coming...sorry:)  

What's In It?
Stamps: Ever After, Verve Anniversary Birds
Ink: Lemon Tart, memento black
Paper: vanilla, vellum cardstock, premade cards
Other: Lemon tart satin ribbon, dimensionals

Winter Song

I just wanted to share a little video in case you are sick of winter.  I think this is a beautiful song and lovely slideshow of winter.  This is a prepost and with my luck it will be 60 degrees on the day this posts:)

An Update

Hi Everyone!  I am able to post a brief update here from my dad's house.  He came out of surgery doing very well.  We are home now and settling in.  His doctor does not want him just lying around.  He has to walk as far as he can each day.  Right now he has a weight restraint on how much he can lift and he isn't allowed to drive.  So I am here for that and to help with cooking.  We have had his brothers over each day.  I know when I leave he will be taken care of so that makes me feel better.  We find out for sure on Friday whether all the cancer was contained and removed.  Thanks so much for all your lovely thoughts.   Continued prayers are a bonus though.  Thanks again!

Nikki

A Whimsy Challenge

 

This is a card I made for the challenge I am posting on the Whimsy Inspirations Blog.  You can check out the details over there.  I made this for a boy named David.  I chose him because of his name ( my husband's), the fact that he has migraines (so do I), and his diagnosis affects his memory.  He struggles in school.  This made me think of my son.  So this card is for him.  You can read about David HERE.

  I used the Whimsy Lion for this card.   I also recently got the Early Bird Kit by Cosmo Cricket.  On the cover it has samples of all the paper and features in the kit.  I couldn't bear to let is go to waste.  So I cut the sample strips out and used them on my card.    I think this card ended up pretty cheery looking.  Please remember that only happy cards should be sent to these children.  I hope you will join in the challenge.  It would mean so much to a little, special someone.

BTW, I put, "Hope you have a GRRRREAT day!" on the inside.  I hope YOU also have a grrrreat day!

Please Send Warm Thoughts

 

Today is the day that my dad is having surgery and I am here with him to care for him for two weeks.  I just wanted to ask everyone out there  to please say a prayer for him.  To please think great, happy thoughts about him.  I just thought I would post a few pictures.  It's sometimes easier to pray and think about someone you can actually picture.

  

  

  

Thanks everyone.  I do have a few things preposted on my blog over the next two weeks.  See you when I get back:)